3D Robotics X8 Manual - page 4

Flight modes

4

Your copter’s flight modes determine 

how it will behave in the air. Select a 

flight mode using the left switch above 

the right stick on the RC transmitter.

Transmitters ordered with your copter 

arrive with three preset flight modes: 

stabilize, loiter, and return to launch.

Stabilize mode

Stabilize is your copter’s manual flight 

mode. It allows full manual control of 

altitude, position, and orientation 

without autopilot assistance. 

Loiter mode

In loiter, the autopilot automatically 

controls altitude, position, and 

orientation. Just release the sticks 

and the copter will hover in place.

Return to launch

Return to launch (RTL) commands the 

copter to achieve a minimum altitude 

of 15 meters, return to the launch point, 

hover for five seconds, and land.

If you did not order an RC 

transmitter with your copter, 

visit 3dr.com/learn for 

instructions.

Stabalize

Altitude Hold

Loiter

Full Autonomy

Return to Launch

Stabalize

Altitude Hold

Loiter

Full Autonomy

Return to Launch

Stabalize

Altitude Hold

Loiter

Full Autonomy

Return to Launch

switch position: forward 

(away from you)

no GPS lock required

switch position: center

GPS lock required

GPS

GPS

X

switch position: back 

(towards you)

GPS lock required before 

takeoff

GPS